2018 Trend Alert: Adult Backpacks — Here are My Six Picks

Remember in the early Nineties when every young lady had a mini-backpack purse casually draped over one shoulder? It held most important items like: notes, a wallet with no money, and lipgloss. Mine was plaid flannel, complete with a drawstring, just for good measure.

Fast-forward to 2017 and I am a 35-year-old professional who carries a full-on backpack. Anytime I will be waiting for more than five minutes, I pull out my laptop and get to work. No more wasted time at the doctor's office staring at the walls - when my OBGYN comes in, she expects to see me in my backless hospital gown with a MacBook teetering on my lap. I stopped in at D-Patrick on Tuesday morning to get a flat fixed. Guess who had her laptop ready and waiting! Car dealerships are the best - a comfy lounge with coffee and popcorn. What else could you want?

The point is, I need a real backpack. I had a regular grown-up tote bag for a long time but... it friggin' hurts! And, my company realized how mobile we are a few years ago and bought us all station backpacks! (It was a great end-of-the-year gift from the company! HINT HINT) Sadly, today, my backpack broke. The zipper tab fell off and it's pretty ripped up. I have to find a new one to get me through 2018. So, I am going shopping.

Now, I'm no fashion expert but I do know that there are a lot of on-the-go professionals out there. The problem is, you kind of look like a college student if you opt for the old JanSport backpack. AKA no one will take you seriously as a "real adult." But, you want something that isn't going to be a literal pain to carry around.

Here are my top picks! I'm not endorsing any of these or have any tie to the company. I'm just going by what I like and the reviews on Amazon. I'm actually having a hard time choosing which one to buy!

First up, the Kenox Vintage Laptop Backpack. It's waterproof, has reinforced padded straps and fits a 15" laptop. And it comes in several colors. Plus the design is unisex.

Kenox

Second, I found the Camtop Vintage Canvas Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port. This one is cool because it comes with the USB charging port (battery not included). It also has lots of pockets, a place for an umbrella, and magnetic closures so you don't have to fumble with the snaps. Also, a unisex design.

campstop

The next one I looked at was more of a satchel design. The S-ZONE Retro Canvas Leather Rucksack is made for large laptops and even has a padded design to protect it against damage. Plus the awesome retro design will be a conversation piece in the workplace.

Another satchel design that I like is the Jack&Chris Vintage Canvas Leather Laptop Rucksack. This one comes out of the UK and is heavily trademarked so they really watch out for knockoffs to make sure you are getting a quality product. This one is functional and very attractive - with antique brass hardware, grain leather, and reinforced canvas.

Jack&Chris

The next backpack, the Sankalp Leather Handmade Vintage Shoulder Tracking Sling is very fashionable. The company boasts, "High quality, long lasting zippers, all brass fittings, UV thread for all stitching, and strong canvas lining Inside. A genuine hand made product using natural leather. Natural oils and light have been used to obtain the style of the leather - chemical free!" I really like the look of this one!

Finally, if you are more about function may I suggest a rolling backpack. The Ailouis 4 Wheel Rolling Backpack doubles as carry-on luggage when traveling. The 4-Wheel spinners make mobility easy with 360 degree movement. Quiet roller wheels and retractable handle make it easy when you are on the go. It is designed to safely hold a laptop in the padded laptop sleeve, saves your back with the four-wheel rolling function and even comes with a rain cover.